Saturday, May 16, 2015

Bloggers Quilt Festival - Mini Quilt Category

It's time for one of my favorite quilt shows, held entirely online. It's the Blogger's Quilt Festival hosted by Amy Ellis at Amy's Creative Side.
I'm submitting Arrow Bird for the Mini Quilt category. If you want to make your own, you are welcome to download the free pattern.
Arrow Bird by Afton Warrick @ Quilting Mod
Arrow Bird was created for the Mini Quilt Mania! Blog Hop on the Fort Worth Fabric Studio blog. You can check out my post on their blog for all the specific details and a tutorial.
This 18" x 18" paper-pieced mini includes April Rhodes' Wanderer, Maureen Cracknell's Wild & Free for Art Gallery Fabrics, and coordinating Kona solids.
Arrow Bird by Afton Warrick @ Quilting Mod
For the quilting, I used a different free-motion design for each fabric, pebbles in the background, and straight lines for the border.
Arrow Bird by Afton Warrick @ Quilting Mod
Now, let's have a glimpse at the reverse side.
Arrow Bird by Afton Warrick @ Quilting Mod
Don't forget to check out the Blogger's Quilt Festival. Entries are open until May 22.  From May 22 until the 29th, voting is open. Winners will be announced on May 30.
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Reader Perspectives: Blog Advice

During the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day, I asked my visitors what kept them coming back to a quilting blog. After all, it's more fun sharing my quilting exploits when I'm not talking to myself. In case you wondered how to be the blog hostess with the hostess, here's what the insightful folks suggested:


Photographs, Minimal Text

It's no surprise that the quilting crowd is a visual bunch. They appreciate skillfully taken pictures in abundance. Detail and step-by-step shots are a bonus, while excessive text is a turn-off. Carol mentioned, "I love blogs that aren't too wordy, but get right to the point with photos and info..like yours!" Cassandra gave an instance where increased text is permissible," I also really like an occasional post that is a more word-y discussion type of topic (how to price a hand crafted item, what is involved in your creative process, finding inspiration, what are your pet peeves, etc.)".


Progress, Not Just Product

Readers want to see why certain fabrics were selected and how the design developed.
Acording to kt, "I like blogs that include the process not just the finished product--I like hearing about the creation of everyone's beautiful things, not just seeing what they've made." Kate Yates put it well, stating, "I like blogs with unique and modern quilts. I also like hearing the stories behind quilts, their design and the quilters who make them." But don't just show your shopping finesse. Jen Barnard wrote, "I like seeing pictures of finishes and works in progress. I've unfollowed a few blogs lately because the only ever seem to show new fabric they've bought and never anything they make with it."  Pre agreed, saying, "I tend to get very bored when blogs show post after post of fabric photos without posting any actual content - no words, thoughts, not even WIPs - just fabric stash photos. "

Tips & Tricks

Sharing helpful suggestions and advice saves us all heartache and makes for greater success.

Tutorials

Undoubtably, the most requested blog content was precise, detailed instructions for projects and new techniques. Readers love quilt alongs and other step-by-step demonstrations and "how to" explanations. Diane Beavers commented, "I keep returning to Blogs for step by step tutorials on projects or items I've never attempted before. The Karma is felt and I'm inspired to truck on and try it again, each time improving from the last. A seam ripper really is a friend:)" Beginner-friendly, small projects were highly requested. Jeneta described these as, "inspiring, yet achievable." Readers also appreciate a variety of sewing projects, such as bags and clothing.

Vibrant Color

Readers are attracted to interesting color combinations. They enjoy seeing a cheery, bright, saturated rainbow of color.

Frequent Posts

As Joanne G put it,"I think frequency of posts really helps keep readers coming back to blogs. If someone only posts every 6 months, I'm going to lose interest."


Innovation

Numerous comments suggested fresh interpretations of traditional blocks, unique projects,and new ideas. As KeriCan said,"I love seeing quilt artists use old techniques and patterns in new ways." Donna also mentioned this blog characteristic,"I've noticed and enjoyed the many quilts with some unexpected design element or surprise in them." Jayne commented, "I love seeing new and different on blogs. I think being innovative and cutting edge is inspiring!" Diane P said, "What keeps me coming back is modern twists to traditional quilts and photos."

Inspiration

Karin captured this idea in her comment, "I've only just started sewing again after a long hiatus. So at the moment quilting blogs are all about inspiration and getting the confidence to start my very first quilt."

Personality

Readers want to hear the blogger's authentic voice and get to know the blog author on a personal level. "I like blogs where the author has a real authentic voice. I love looking at pretty pictures but if I feel like I get to know the author too that is a big bonus," said Little House on the Dairy. Granny Maud's Girl enjoys, "stories that give a little insight to the person." Brenda commented, "I like to see the person behind the blog come through, to get to know the blogger as a friend."  Diana at the Red Delicious Life commended an "online rapport that I develop with that person". Stephanie commented, "I really like blogs and bloggers that are down to earth and throw a little of their self in there. I can google quilt tutorials all day, but I like to feel like I know that person and am interested in what's going on with them." Bobbie said, "I come back for friendliness and honesty. Jan Baker stated, "I come back for great ideas, a peek into someone else's life, and tips for quilting which I very much need."


Quality Grammar

Kristin in Alaska stated, "I have to like the blogger's writing style in order to keep coming back. Bad spelling, misuse of commas, and bad grammar will really keep me away from a blog."


Other Desirable Content

Readers also enjoy giveaways, linky parties, product reviews, and finishes.

If you are interested in getting more ideas about having a successful quilting blog, and tech help too, a series is starting shortly that I anticipate will be very useful.

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Friday, May 15, 2015

Reader Perspectives: Modern Quilting Trends Part II


Today is the continuation of yesterday's post about modern quilting trends my readers have observed lately. If you missed out, you are welcome to check out the first post.

Themes

Southwestern Plants

Succulents Booth at Houston Quilt Market
Sarah@123quilt  noted, "I have noticed that there seems to be a lot of Southwest Desert motifs cropping up in patterns and fabric designs." Lia*s Handmades also noticed the trend, saying, "I noticed that rainbow colours are a huge thing at the moment...oh and there's a new trend going on with succulents and cactus patterns, not just on fabric, but also in embroidery and paper-pieced patterns."

Vintage Inspiration

Tawny observed, "I've noticed that a modern trend is actually to incorporate vintage into a new quilt. I am loving all of these new quilts that use vintage bed sheets mixed with new styles. They turn out so beautiful."


Jen Kingwell's latest collection, Gardenvale, is a classic example of vintage-style for the modern market.

    Piecing Techniques

    Improvisational Piecing

    Las Ventanas by Kristin Shields
    Spiraling Out of Control by Christina Watson

    Curves

      Quilt for Our Bed by Laura Hartrich
    Balancing Act by Amanda Hohnstreiter
    Funky Junk by Renee Tallman

    English Paper Piecing 

    Fussy cut Passacaglia quilts have been appearing in large quantity on social media. For more details, check out the post at Love Patchwork and Quilting. If you want to order the hard-to-find book, Paper Pieces is my recommended source.


    Paper Piecing

    Icy Waters by Amy Garry

    Medallions

    Medallions continue to be popular. 
    XLV by Afton Warrick 
    There's even a recent book release based on the concept.
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    Thursday, May 14, 2015

    Reader Perspectives: Modern Quilting Trends Part I

    My Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day visitors made some keen observations about characteristic traits of modern quilts. I've outlined these thoughts with visual representations from Quilt Week in Albuquerque, Quilt Con 2015, my own work, and recent fabric collections.

    Specific Quilting Styles

    Dense Free-Motion

    Orange Zest by Kimberly Einmo and Judi Madsen
    Boise MQG Charity Quilt
    If you are interested in detailed free-motion designs, I highly recommend Kathleen's blog. She provides excellent tutorials and suggestions for filling spaces.

    Matchstick Quilting

    For some tips on this technique, check out Quilting Daily's recent article.

    Ceiling Tiles by Amy Garro

    Fabric Choices

    Low Volume

    Ascent by the Do. Good Stitches Bee
    Infinite Whispers by Jennifer Chan

    Solids

    What's the Frequency, Love? by Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill

    GLITCH! by Susan Strong

    Rainbow Colors

    Wavelength by Lee Heinrich
    Watercolors by the Do. Good Stitches Bee
    Huckleberry by Rebecca Bryan

    Text Fabric


    This bundle from Sew Me A Song is pure vibrance.

    Unconventional Background Colors

    Folded Flock by Jenna Brand

    Design Traits

    Enlarged Blocks

    Kathy York's Best of Show for Quilt Con 2015 is comprised on smaller versions of the entire quilt layout.
    i Quilt by Kathy York
    Anne Marie Chany's Moccasin Block of the Month is an enlarged combination of the Japanese X & + and Sister's Choice blocks.
    Moccasin BOM by Anne Marie Chany

    Negative Space

    Freeflow by Lee Heinrich
    Eggs and Darts by Amanda Leins
    Gradient by Alys Gagnon

    Simplistic Design

    Ascend by Nicole Neblett

    Modernizing Traditional Blocks

    Deconstructed Lodestar by Amy Struckmeyer

    Geometric Patterns

    March: Modern X by Christa Watson

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